Get NEW Snowboard Gear for Cheap by Buying at the End of the Season!

As the snow recedes, so do the prices on new snowboard gear.

Buying new snowboard equipment at the end of the season may not seem like an obvious thing to do, but in fact it's a great way to take advantage of the end of the season deals offered by many snowboard shops. As the season winds down and temperatures rise, snowboard equipment prices plunge, sales and discounts increase, and top-end equipment becomes available for much less than it had been selling for just a few months earlier.

By the time March rolls around, most snowboard shops and retailers are done with the current season and have moved onto to what they'll be buying and selling next season. In an effort to clear their shelves and move inventory out the door, they cut prices on brand new snowboards, boots, and bindings. Although the selection may not be as good as it was in December, savvy snowboarders can score whole new setups for a fraction of what they would have paid in the beginning of the season. So what's the key to getting the best deal possible? Research, my friend. Plain and simple, you want to go into your gear search knowing exactly what you're looking for, and exactly what you would have paid earlier in the season as well as what you're willing to pay now.

The first order of business is to decide where you want to buy your gear. Both traditional "brick and mortar" stores and Internet outlets offer significant discounts on gear at the end of the season, so the decision between the two probably comes down to a combination of price and service. If you've done your homework over the course of the season (perhaps even getting out during a demo day on that new board you're eyeing) or have heard great things from friends that bought the same equipment earlier, you really don't need the added expertise - which can come with a price - of a traditional snowboard shop. On the other hand, if you're still not sure exactly what you're looking for, buying gear from a website probably isn't your best choice.

No matter where you decide to purchase your new gear, do yourself a favor and don't just accept the first price you're offered. At the end of the season, shops are actively looking to get rid of the gear they currently have in order to make room for the latest and greatest equipment that will arrive for the start of the next season. A little bargaining can go a long way at this time of year!

In addition to offering great deals on new gear, many shops have demo equipment available for sale towards the end of the season as well. Although not "brand new," most of this gear has been ridden lightly over the course of the season (perhaps as few as 10 or 15 days), and is often available for significantly less money than anything else in the store. Take a hard look at the equipment, especially if it's a board - make sure the base and edges are in tip-top shape, with no signs of major repairs. If everything seems to be in order, don't hesitate to pull the trigger on the sale!

With the exception of major technological breakthroughs, the difference between this year's gear and next year's is often nothing more than cosmetic. Resisting the urge to be seen on the latest and greatest at the beginning of the season is a great way to save some dough, while ensuring you'll be riding on new gear when the snow falls again in the fall!